On Monday, May 13, 2024, workers under the umbrella of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) staged a massive protest against the recent electricity tariff hike. The protesters stormed the offices of various electricity distribution companies (DisCos) across the country, demanding an immediate reversal of the tariff increase.
In Lagos, a large crowd of workers gathered at the corporate headquarters of the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC), singing solidarity songs and holding placards with inscriptions like "Reversal of Tariff Now!" and "No to Electricity Hike!" The protesters prevented workers from resuming work for the day, effectively shutting down the office.
Similarly, in Oyo State, protesters stormed the office of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), picketing the premises and disrupting operations. The protesters were seen carrying banners and chanting slogans, demanding that the Federal Government reverse the tariff hike.
The NLC and TUC had given the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) a seven-day ultimatum to reverse the revised tariff, which they described as "draconian" and "anti-people." The unions argued that the tariff hike would worsen the already difficult economic conditions faced by Nigerians.
However, the Federal Government has insisted that a reversal of the tariff would spell doom for the power sector, which is already struggling to provide adequate electricity supply to the nation. The government argued that the tariff hike was necessary to attract investors to the sector and ensure its sustainability.
Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised the Federal Government to remove electricity subsidies in other bands to save the economy. The IMF argued that the subsidies were unsustainable and were draining the nation's resources.
The protesters, however, rejected the government's argument, insisting that the tariff hike was a further burden on already impoverished Nigerians. They pointed out that the hike would lead to increased costs of living, as businesses and individuals would be forced to pay more for electricity.
The protest was peaceful, with policemen present to forestall any breakdown of law and order. The protesters were seen distributing leaflets and engaging passersby in discussions about the tariff hike and its implications for the economy.
The NLC and TUC have vowed to continue the protest until their demands are met. They have also threatened to embark on a nationwide strike if the government fails to reverse the tariff hike.
In a statement, the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, said: "We will not back down until the government reverses this draconian tariff hike. We will not allow the government to continue to punish Nigerians with these anti-people policies."
The TUC President, Quadri Olaleye, added: "We are ready to take this fight to the end. We will not rest until the government listens to the voice of reason and reverses this tariff hike."
The protest has generated widespread support from Nigerians, who see the tariff hike as another example of the government's insensitivity to their plight. Many have taken to social media to express their solidarity with the protesters, using hashtags like #ReversalNow #NoToElectricityHike #NLC #TUC #ElectricityTariffHike #Protest #Nigeria.
As the protest continues, Nigerians are eagerly waiting to see how the government will respond to the demands of the NLC and TUC. Will the government reverse the tariff hike, or will it stand firm in its resolve to attract investors to the power sector? Only time will tell.
#ReversalNow #NoToElectricityHike #NLC #TUC #ElectricityTariffHike #Protest #Nigeria #LabourMatters #ElectricityIsARight #NotAPrivilege #PeopleOverProfit
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